18 November, 2024;Mumbai, India: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has framed the upcoming Maharashtra elections as a battle of ideologies, pitting the interests of a few billionaires against those of the poor and marginalized. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Gandhi accused powerful corporate entities of attempting to take control of the state’s valuable land resources while highlighting the Congress party’s pro-people promises.
“This election is an election of ideologies and a choice between one or two billionaires and the poor. The billionaires want the land of Mumbai to go into their hands. The estimate is that Rs 1 lakh crore will be given to one billionaire,” Gandhi alleged, without naming any individuals. He asserted that the Congress party’s vision focuses on the welfare of Maharashtra’s farmers, youth, unemployed, and women.
Key Promises for Maharashtra
Gandhi unveiled a slew of initiatives aimed at providing financial support and opportunities for the state’s residents. Among the key promises were:
- Empowering Women: A monthly deposit of ₹3,000 in every woman’s bank account and free bus travel for women across the state.
- Farmer Support: Loan waivers of up to ₹3 lakh and a procurement price of ₹7,000 per quintal for soybean to ensure better returns for farmers.
- Social Equity: A commitment to conducting a caste census in Maharashtra, similar to the initiatives being carried out in Telangana and Karnataka, to ensure equitable representation and policymaking.
Criticism of the Wealth Divide
Gandhi’s remarks highlighted concerns over economic inequality, suggesting that state resources were being prioritized for the benefit of a select few at the expense of the majority. “Our thinking is that Maharashtra’s farmers, the poor, the unemployed, and the youth need help,” he said, contrasting the Congress party’s agenda with what he described as crony capitalism.
Congress’s Strategy in Maharashtra
With these announcements, the Congress party is seeking to position itself as the champion of the underprivileged. By addressing issues such as farmer distress, gender equality, and social justice, Gandhi aims to galvanize support for his party in the state, where political competition is intensifying.
The upcoming elections will serve as a crucial test for the Congress party as it seeks to expand its influence and counter the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition in Maharashtra. With its emphasis on economic justice and grassroots support, the Congress hopes to sway voters in one of India’s most politically and economically significant states.
